Sydney, January 23 – A massive bushfire raging in Western Australia’s south has triggered emergency evacuations and road closures, putting thousands at risk. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a critical alert Friday morning, warning of imminent danger to lives and properties in the Fitzgerald River National Park area, located 420 kilometers southeast of Perth.
The fire, sparked by lightning on January 16, has already scorched over 60,000 hectares. Residents of Ravensthorpe, a town with around 2,000 people, and nearby communities have been ordered to leave immediately if safe routes are available. ‘You are in danger and must take action now to survive,’ the DFES alert stated bluntly.
Major highways west of Ravensthorpe stand closed, while an evacuation center operates in Newdegate to the north. Those choosing to stay face extreme heat risks and are advised to shelter indoors. This blaze is one of four major fires burning across southwest Australia, with flames advancing uncontrollably northeast.
Approximately 1,500 people from four small towns 120 kilometers southeast of Perth received evacuation directives as the inferno threatens to engulf their areas. Lower-level warnings cover Dunn Rock Nature Reserve and the tiny settlement of Green Range, urging vigilance and prompt departure.
Authorities had prepared for worsening conditions, but the rapid spread has escalated the crisis. Firefighters battle fierce winds and dry terrain, as the nation watches this unfolding disaster with concern. Updates continue as containment efforts intensify, but for now, safety remains the top priority for at-risk communities.
